Calgary Fire Department Responds to Carbon Monoxide Incident in Taradale

Shortly before 2:00pm, fire crews responded to the 100-200 block of Taralake Way NE for a carbon monoxide incident. On arrival crews were met by the occupants of a 2 storey residential home. There were two families in the home, one lived in the basement suite and the other in the upper levels of the home. All were complaining of feeling unwell and had sought medical attention the day before and had returned home. 

Fire crews investigated using a multi-gas sensor and detected the presence of carbon monoxide in the home. While wearing their specialized breathing equipment, crews turned on the furnace and hot water tank which rapidly increased the CO levels in the home to 172 ppm. Any levels above 50 ppm is considered dangerous. ATCO was called to scene while multiple Emergency Health Services ambulances were called to assess the patients. 4 adults and 1 child were transported to hospital, all in non-life-threatening condition. 

ATCO personnel reported detecting the peak levels of 500 ppm and shut down and locked out the gas line to the furnace until repairs can be completed. Fire crews assisted with ventilating the home until there were zero readings of CO and ensured the reading remained zero before leaving the home in the care of a neighbour.

The Calgary Fire Department reminds all residents that working carbon monoxide alarms save lives and should be installed on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas. Most commonly, the main source of CO gas in your home is your furnace, but any household appliances which run on fuels, like natural gas and propane can also be a source. Never use gas-powered appliances in enclosed areas without proper ventilation and ensure routine maintenance and inspection of all fuel-burning equipment.

If you are exposed to CO gas, you may get flu-like symptoms such as:

• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness
• confusion
• fatigue
• lose consciousness. 

A CO alarm that is continuously repeating a 4-beeping pattern means it detects CO and everyone should get out and call 9-1-1. Let the Emergency Communications Officer know if anyone is experiencing the symptoms of CO exposure.

CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home including the basement and most importantly be placed near bedrooms so people can hear them where they sleep. CO alarms can be purchased at any hardware stores. Caution should be taken when ordering any CO alarms online and ensure that alarms meet Canadian safety standards.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit calgary.ca/fire and ATCO Gas

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